Soundscape Memoirs is a blog devoted to introducing and discussing new releases from obscure, alternative, and otherwise unknown artists.

Many folks with a creative bent and a website tend to assign a certain day of the week for their updates. Not here! I aim for at least two updates a week, even if one of those might just be maintenance, but when those two days might be is anyone's guess. Now, for some reason or another, I rarely finish these updates until about 23:00 (EST) - so there's one constant.In addition to the recommendations, I also post other music-related musings on this blog, which can be found under "Memoirs and Milestones" and "On My Radio".

Yo. I need a session.29 January, 2016

Guys. I've been plugging tunes on Dandelion Radio for almost TWO YEARS now. TWO YEARS. How does that happen? Anywho, I haven't had an original session on my show in months - and I've been thinking about calling out for one, but always stopped myself because, y'know, who cares about me? Well, chances are, relatively a very small sliver of you, but I'm going to start a contest anyway.

A contest? Yes! I want you to record a session for me, and send it via Dropbox or whatever big data mover you prefer to la.adcock@gmail.com. You can record however many songs you like, so long as the whole set is 10 - 30 minutes long. And these songs need to be exclusive - not exactly original compositions, but the recordings that you send me must not exist anywhere else on the internet.

As an extra twist, your songs must not include the following words: ghost, love, young, ocean, sea, sun, moon, death, dead, life, blood, baby, child, beach, kiss, friend, man, boy, and the [proper name] of any [major city] in the United States (ex. New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, etc). Also, for that matter, America. Anyone who uses one of these words will automatically be disqualified. Words in general, of course, are completely optional.

The last deadline is March 15th, when I'll pick the winner to slot into my April Dandelion show. HOWEVER, if you can cull a session together by February15th, you could compete in a much smaller pool and get on my March show. And eh, who knows, maybe I'll give you something else, too. Don't count on cash, though.

Put it this way - you have a WAY better chance of winning this than NPR's Tiny Desk Concert. Go on, then.

Housekeeping and shows.2 June, 2015

Nothing much to blab about - just a few radio shows on the Broadcast tab, a few new stories added to Elsewhere, and so forth. Given the numerous outlets at my disposal (especially Collapse Board), methinks that fewer write-ups will be pressed on here, unless I have some particular Athens-based rave to vent. Hmm, now there's a thought...

Hello World!7 May, 2015

Hey, guys. Sorry for being away for so long - work just cascaded down in the last two months, and I could barely keep up here. But never fear, I just added a buncha my work onto the Elsewhere tab (including the Drowned in Sound public health warning), and hauled in my playlists from the last two Dandelion shows. No links yet, I'm afraid. I'll get there.

But hey, howzabout a new show? I've mapped out the set list, so just gotta break out the mic and record that sucker. So much new good tunes floating around right now. (And some rats, too - but that's the next DiS review).

Wash, rinse, repeat (Dandy again)1 March, 2015

It's that time again - another month, another retired Dandelion playlist. February's show is now on the Broadcast tab, and with it I've included the list o' links for your clicking and downloading pleasure.

Me, I'm just happily awaiting tomorrow, when my digital copy of Ata Kak's long lost Obaa Sima finally wings its way to me. Can. Not. WAIT. Also tapping my foot for that Noon:30 EP which should shore up any month now. Oooh, and a new Flies on You LP is due this week, too. The peasants shall rejoice!

Dandelion Stuff.1 February, 2015

Yo, yo. Jumped on my monthly ritual of updating the blog whenever the Dandelion loop rolls over. So - not only can you now check out the playlist from my January show, but you can also FINALLY see my Festive 50 write-up. That's in the Memoirs and Milestones section.

And, as usual, been quietly updating the Elsewhere tab over the month. Haven't been that terribly busy on Collapse Board, though I did make a lil' splash earlier this week.

In other news - saw MIND BRAINS last night. "A patchwork Gary Numan," I told my landlord, and did they ever live up to it. Drum machine synced to a blue flashing light, played with timpani sticks; hooded magus on analogue synth; distorted dulcimer (I think); droning and thundering and faux-mind control projections. WICKED night. And last week, Ex Hex stormed Athens and blew the party crowd away with their rock star antics. Let the good times roll, yeah?

Stay tuned to Gold Flake Paint for more excellent stuffs from me...I hope...

Blog writing. Finally.4 January, 2015

I apologize in advance. No one wants to read a writer whinge about his or her lack of confidence - especially not other writers, who probably feel just as horrible about themselves (if not more). But the reason I haven't posted many original reviews on this blog is because I constantly doubt that anyone cares. That's my weakness, I know.

So, take it or leave it - I finally finished this review of three unassuming demo albums that I received two months ago. It's under Recommendations tab, but I didn't dig all of 'em.

Five, Not Four. (New Broadcast.)﻿3 January, 2015﻿

I'm sure by now you've had it up to here with random strangers hailing ya with "happy New Year!", but here alas comes one more well-intentioned well wish from moi. I've piled together a new Mixcloud show with scraps from last year and sneak peeks into 2015. Lots of guitars, somehow. Check out the Broadcast tab for that.

My Dandelion show from December also just cropped up on ze Mixclouds, too. So dig under my broadcast's playlist for that one.

Also, been plugging away on Collapse Board - and more will follow from other quarters, too. Browse at yr leisure in the Elsewhere tab.

Nothing yet for the blotter, but keep yr eyes peeled. See you around, eh?

Also. I posted my best-of list on Collapse Board, so you can poke and prod over there if that sort of stuff's your bag. And I've probably added several other links to the Elsewhere tab since the last update. Feel free to graze.

EDIT: Due to certain obligations, gotta take down the ranks for now. They'll be back at the end of January.

Old Radio!30 November, 2014

See, I told you. Here's the Dandelion Radio show now, complete with flashy links to the tunes. Just a wee bit of overlap - but not so much as I thought. On the Broadcast tab, naturally.

A brief announcement - the fantastic Blue Tapes label has now branched out and morphed into Blue Tapes/X-Ray Records. As the name implies, they'll soon dispense vinyl with black-and-white artwork that flips to negative in the light. Coooooool. Check out the second release in the series, some bangin' french house from Pour Le Plaisir.

New Radio!29/30 November, 2014

Here's one that's so overdue, it should've been a Halloween special - I've finally recorded another mixcloud show. Yeah, I know. It's almost the end of the month, and there'll be another show then, anyway - but I couldn't resist. At any rate, this set diverges completely from both the November AND December Dandy shows, so even the loyal (ha) listener should find a few surprises. Broadcast tab for that (under that "More" tab, in case you didn't know).

Also. Been writing a bit lately. Behold in Elsewhere my two last Collapse Board reviews and even two local blurbs.

PS. Today's the last day to vote in the Festive 50. DO IT. More announcements to follow later in the week.

Dandelion Update.1 November, 2014

It's a new month, kids. That means a new cycle of shows on the Dandy airwaves - and we've retired last month's shows to the Mixclouds. So, y'know, I gots the playlist up on the Broadcast tab.

Also, it's Festive Fifty time now - come over to the site and vote for your three fave tunes of the year. They could be any tunes, really, but we're hoping you'll pick some that we've played on the station. (I plugged some on my show this month, if ya need a memory jog.)

BOO, Ya Schmuck.31 October, 2014

Happy Halloween, you lucky undead fiends. Hasn't been the cheeriest of weeks for me, but who can stay depressed as the undead approach? Anywho, lots of updates today - so many I'll need bullets (no, not silver ones) to keep track:

A chilly set of new music blurbs under the Recommendation tab.

A brief wrap-up on the Dead Albatross Awards under Memoirs and Milestones.

My hijinks on Collapse Board under Elsewhere.

A thorough roundup of where to find new music in a world without John Peel, courtesy of Louder Than War's Guy Manchester.

In the new music blotter - on Song, By Toad, Jonnie Common's Trapped in Amber drops today, a snappy and smart pop outing with some inspired jiggering and worldly visitations. Also, I just remembered that the blackest of black gothy hardcore band, derTANZ, has a new album, and damn does it sound promising (as in promises to slit my throat!). Finally, I'm really enjoying this demo I received a few weeks back, from the enigmatic Mega Bog on the Couple Skate label. Some parts Lizzie Mercier Descloux, other parts His Name is Alive, mystifying as a whole. Mine's called Gone Forever, but turns out the final version was called Gone Banana. I prefer the former, but alas.

Backtracked.17 October, 2014

Aloha, kiddos. All I did this evening was add a buncha links to the Elsewhere tab. First you'll find five articles from Collapse Board; THEN, if you scroll down, you'll see I've added a new section. I finally gathered up all the short lil' album blurbs I've done for the Flagpole thus far. I'm most proud of the latest one, in which I was able to say the word "cock" in reference to dumb males. WOO!

Two Broadcasts?!2 October, 2014

Ay, me. Ladies and gents, I is busy again, but busy toward a goal. Many goals, really - publishing stories, judging albums, discovering my self. Yknow, those kinds of goals. So, anywho, new month, new Dandy show archived - and I also culled together a new show, where I weigh in on the selections for this year's Dead Albatross prize. If you have no clue what that means, pop into the Broadcast tab and find out for yerself.

Dots are a-flashing all over the new release radar - ska-punk gypsies Hallouminati dropped a bangin' new single earlier this week; Tuff Enuff whipped out two ace tapes in one day; Chimney Crow sailed across the stars and returned with a spaced-out new LP; and the Audio Antihero gang devised three wildly different covers for Ben Shaw's international hit single "You & Me". Finally, as usual, keep yr eyes on HHBTM, 'cos another current of excellence will sweep the western world this fall. STAY TUNED.

Haven't done too much on the music review front, save for a few local album reviews. Hopefully will remedy that at some point. At least three artists on the queue (going on five - except my Interpol skit doesn't really count, I just wanted an excuse to come up with alternative anagrams besides "El Pintor". Like Lite Porn.)

New Stuffs! New Show!3 September, 2014

This WAS s'posed to break out yesterday...but I stumbled into a total SNAFU just after uploading the whole thing to Mixcloud and had to patch it together this evening. So now that we've taken care of that, I bring you broadcast #16! Under the broadcast tab, naturally.

Fingers crossed, I should have more writings out soon. Just gotta work 'em in with epidemiology studies and vet school magazine duties. (Ah, grad school!)

New Stuffs! Old Show! 31 August, 2014

Looks like Athens survived its first game day...sorry. Do you live in a college town? It's really, really annoying to wake up on a Saturday morning and find 100,000+ more people in your town than usual, wandering around in red shirts, staking out tents, and tossing away Bud Lights as if they own the place.

ANYWAY. Guys, it's the end of the month, so my show from August is up on Dandelion Radio's Mixcloud channel - and you can find that in the Broadcast tab (under the "More" section").

ALSO. I hacked out four quick blurbs for four new releases. You might recognize one (if you've been a seriously devout reader of this blog, that is). Dig into the Recommendations tab.

And, since last update, I've posted four reviews on Collapse Board, which you ctroll through under the Elsewhere tab.

STAY TUNED! More broadcastable delights await in the wings...but first, Labor Day awaits. That's another one of those American excuses to skip work and grill stuff outside. Works for me!

The Review...Review.12 August, 2014

Whoa, snap. I just realized that I've posted four reviews in a week - and I've got two more in the wings, too. Why isn't this my day job? Ah, well. Pop into the Elsewhere page to see the latest digs - including a justified rant against the NME (though Chris, once again, brings up valid points that I missed).

Oh, and Ravioli Me Away's LP comes out tomorrow. I admit, I haven't ordered it yet, but I shall soon. What else...ah. Mark your calendars for September 13th, because another elegant album of the year contender will emerge then from Song, By Toad. You'll hear more from me at some point.

New Music Roundup.6 August, 2014

An original post, eh? Correct - three albums that cost very little to you. Summarized succinctly and prepared for your consumption. Refer to the Recommendations tab. Also, been busy on the elsewheres. See my new fave rap on Collapse Board, for instance.

Some new releases to keep tabs on - HOLY FLAMING LIZARDS Ravioli Me Away's inevitable debut will be out in a week on Good Job recs. These chicks have sass and stomp and groove, and in an alternative universe new altars would be stacked in praise of their fiery charge. The dreamy new Hobbes Fanclub LP will be out around the same time on Shelflife, and you may have to pause and decide which one to parse your hard-earned cash on. In the meantime, you are urged to invest in Demdike Stare's sixth Testpressing, available NOW NOW NOW on Boomkat, which (like the one before it) will tear concrete slabs to shreds. Meanwhile, count the days until Blue Tapes' next cassette, 'cos if you thought Goat altered your reality, then Threes and Will & Huerequeque will stone you BLIND.

Much Busy-ness Elsewhere.1 August, 2014

Plenty of junk for ya to munch on, in many settings. You'll see that, in nine days, I've rolled out two shows onto the Broadcast page - the Indietracks special and the Dandelion Radio show from July. Bit alarmed, though, 'cos my show breaks America's stringent licensing rules. (It's all David Tantamount's fault.) Ah, well. Duly noted for the future.

You'll also find a fair handful of articles from Collapse Board and Gold Flake Paint. Check it - I'm the second album review that GFP's had in weeks. I think I've carved out a niche for meself.

The next leg of grad school approaches, but more writing's a-comin'. Oooh, and just wait til December, when maybe maybe maybe I'll join the Dandy crew on the Festive 50 countdown. Yes, I know, measly little ambitions. But such is me.

PS - after a whole morning and afternoon of hair-pulling, I

Next Show - Damage Control.22 July, 2014.

Sheesh! What's with this extended gap between updates, eh? It's not that I haven't been busy with music stuffs - I had to pile August's Dandy show together, wrote three pieces for Collapse Board (the latest one's a SMASH) and two reviews for Gold Flake. (That's all listed now under the Elsewhere tab.) Plus, on top of that, I've been busy with this cancer investigation...

ANYWHO, the other day I uploaded another Mixcloud show. A proper 2-hr one, this time. Chock full of tunes that may or may not appear again on Dandelion.

Expect more this week - including my annual Indietracks comp romp. And an accompanying playlist of melodic reminiscing. Oh, yes.

Dandelion Playlist.1 July, 2014

OK, I get it. So you can't see playlists on Mixcloud anymore (especially not on mobile apps) unless you fork up the monies and go premium, eh? Well, I thumb my nose at you, sir, because I shall continue to post my Dandelio playlists up here on ze blog - and I trump you, sir, because I've also included as many links to tunes as I possibly could. Hoo ha. So go catch June's show if ya missed it on the Broadcast tab.

So August is one whole damn month away, and I've already cemented in my next show - ah HA, I know how we'llbridge the gap. Howzabout another original Soundscape broadcast? Stay tuned.

Meanwhile, I've been spewing forth content on the Collapse Boards, which you can browse through under the Elsewhere tab. Currently working on a stretch of SOTDs centered around a house party from last week.

Finally, yr new release blotter for today - Victor Florence has proven that he's no Mountain Goats knockoff with his next LP, Borderline. It's absolutely devastating. Ace Bushy Striptease dropped a foxy new LP today (their last?!), and it's got a closer that's gunning for a Festive 50 spot AND yr heart. Finally, if you haven't bought that Tuff Enuff comp yet, then you're clearly a wimp. Go for the physicals if you live close by - I would if I were a native Brightonian (fie on you, spell check, for that must be a word - how else to describe this elite race?).

Original Post.20 June, 2014

But I digress. For the first time in months, I've finally cobbled together some fresh Recommendations - including a lengthy close reading of TV Girl's lush French Exit. All easily obtainable digitals, I should say - so go indulge.

Also, this week has been a busy one on the Collapse Boards. I penned three - count 'em, THREE! - reviews over the course of three days. That's in the Elsewhere tab.

Finally, on the new release blotter - one of my fave bands from last year, Mirror Parties, are due a new album soon, and it's so slippery and superb. Keep yr ears peeled. Also, post-punk prank pugs Flies On You slipped a new single out earlier this week. Ace ace ace.

Dandelion Playlist (May).﻿﻿7 June, 2014

Have you had trouble viewing playlists for shows lately on Mixcloud? Or is that just me? Anywho, I've posted the complete playlist (along with the link) for my Dandelion Show from May. That means you can go clicky clicky and rack up on loads of new music. Under the Broadcasts tab, naturally.

A few more writings from Collapse Board up for viewing under the Elsewhere tab, too. Stay tuned for another rave cassette review and another article of SHEER RAGE.

Releases to consume - Biscuit Mouth has a beastly new LP out, which is a pay-what-you-want and therefore should be consumed IMMEDIATELY. The sublime combo of Mos Def and Marvin Gaye that is Yasiim Gaye (aka Amerigo Gazaway) dropped a new FREE LP which is the smoothest butter for all modern music earaches. Buzz Osbourne's solo LP actually ain't bad, albeit with a slightly swampy monotone - but hey, it's probably more hardcore than the last Melvins album (BURN). Broken Shoulder's got his own label now in Tokyo, and recently let drip more manna from his studio of solace. Finally, AIEEEEEEEEEE Eagulls. I just picked up that self-titled monster a few weeks ago. Bangin'.

That Inevitable Halfway Retrospective.26 May, 2014

It's weird, y'know. If you had asked me three years ago to compile a list of the year's best new music, I wouldn't have known where to begin. Now lookit me - I've cobbled together a show to commemorate the halfway point of 2014. Sorry that it's 2 hrs and 40 minutes long - I should have been sensible and just presented the tunes without chat, but...I can't help it. I like to chat. The radio format must live on. At any rate, that's what the pause button is for, right? So that's in the Broadcasts section.

In other news, I've posted two reviews on Collapse Board lately - for Liars and Swans, in that order. None are particularly cheerful. Elsewhere tab, stage left.

New release radar news - a new EP from ambient mastermind Gretchen Lyme is out NOW for grabs, and so is a devastating LP from Hong Kong duo Pairs. Also, that colorful chum David Tantamount churned out a bangin' new LP; he'll guest star on my July Dandelion show. Finally, this Wednesday, Colin Robinson (Block 454, Churn Milk Joan, and overall overlord of music and noise) will drop a brand new Jumble Hole Clough LP, which promises to deliver some crazy improv hijinx. (See the event page on Facebook for updates and wicked videos of Colin's many talents). Get 'em while they're hot!

Mods, Nothings, Pairs, GIRLS15 May, 2014

Before we even begin - I'm still on the Dandy airwaves, y'all, and making waves, too. For instance, now I'm being followed by THE FLOWERS OF HELL (a band I didn't know until they appeared in me Twitterscape - I'm really only boasting this b/c it's hilarious to say).

Second, I've posted FOUR Collapse Board features in the past week, only buffered by little bullet lists from Ev. 1) the SLEAFORD MODS review, 2) Cloud Nothings, 3) Pairs, and 4) a salute to Joanna Gruesome. All under the Elsewhere tab.

Been wanting to write some gig memoirs and things for here, but haven't because OTHER journalistic pursuits beckon, namely an investigation into potential "cancer clusters" in south Georgia (oh boy!). Might at some point, but also busy cobbling together a Liars review. And you'll see that sooner than later, I assure ya.

Dandy Review + Revisions.2 May, 2014

So the new show is streaming now on Dandelion Radio, and all that - but if you missed out on April's show, then I've got ya covered. Dandelion archives all their shows on their Mixcloud channel, which means that you can find my gawking mug on there, too. Click on the Broadcast tab to find the link; you'll also see a full playlist of what I played, with bunches of links to the tunes.

Also - did you know that I could be a complete idiot sometimes? Yes! After all, I'm clearly not qualified enough for a summer internship with WebMD, probably because I admitted that the drive to Atlanta would be tricky (a deliberate understatement) for me. Ah, well. But I also REALLY SCREWED UP in my last post. Chimney Crow is a band - in fact, that's the name of their latest LP. *smacks forehead* Sheesh. No doubt Pitchfork would turn their nose at me, too, if I applied to them (not that I would, of course - say no to corporate sell-outs, kids). ANYWAY, so I edited the review. Re-dig that, if you're curious. Or, alternatively, just visit their label's page (Electric Phantom!) and dive into the proper Chimney Crow release yrself.

A Month In Review.﻿30 April, 2014

What? New content?! Yes! Sorry, April was a busy month in schoolwork, but now I've hauled up that iceberg and, aside from some research for the Washington Post and a story to revise, I'm more or less free. More or less, I say, but of course I've booked myself enough projects to last me the whole summer. And now my head is ringing - could a generation of mediocrity known as Britpop really poison the well for two decades? Did grunge do the same? Do we critics have any sway in the matter? Has music's value DIMINISHED?! (Certainly has among the folk my age.)

I don't know. I don't know. But I'm still writing, for whatever that counts for. See in Elsewhere what I've said for Mac DeMarco (dick), Muuy Biien (not dicks), and Ike (ALL ASS, BABY).

And, what you've all been waiting for...FREE MUSIC! Yes! If you want the scoop, check out Recommendations for my feature on Chimney Crow, the fun-loved masked fiend of analogues.

And don't forget to tune in religiously to Dandelion Radio for my new show this month, which features a session from Jack Hayter, several cuts from Xiu Xiu (XIU XIU XIU XIU), Ben Shaw, Chorusgirl, Sparrow and the Workshop, and other champs.

Collapsing New Dudes.﻿6 April, 2014

April's my favorite month. Mainly because it's my birth month, but also because the colors of the spring do make me happy. Plus, I've had a wealth of happy April memories - including, last year, the day I discovered Wuxtry (on Record Store Day, of course).

Anywho, I've been busy ringing in the blossom season with a trio of reviews on Collapse Board - Withered Hand (<3), Chorusgirl (<3 <3), and Xiu Xiu (EEEEEEEEEEE I'M GONNA DIE). Review them all under "Elsewhere".

Now, I know I know I know - I haven't written an original review here in FOREVER and I apologize that I'm on a dozen missions right now. But that's a-coming.

The Review Review.﻿﻿18 March, 2014

Pop quiz - how many reviews have I written in the past eleven days?

Yes! Three - one Gold Flake Paint magnum opus on Tunabunny's magnum opus Kingdom Technology; one Song of the Day spotlight on Vulture Shit that also challenges the Guardian; and one stab at Beck's faux-folk music fluff Morning Phase. All under the Elsewhere tab, if ya fancy a look-see.

In other news - that sculptor of dreamscapes Dissolved has unveiled a new album, Paradox Hues, and of course it's astounding. Go here now. And then, after that - but only if you're feeling relatively sane and stable - go check out the last Xiu Xiu LP. It's INTENSE. Like, Einsturzende Neubauten intense. A fuller review will come soon to a venue near you.

In other other news - don't forget to a) catch this month's shows on Dandelion Radio, and b) tune in next month to hear my first Dandy show. Can't WAIT that sucker to air.

Buncha Tunes.7 March, 2014

Right-o. Jonathan Richman's playing tonight in two hours, and I haven't even taken a shower yet, so LET'S MAKE THIS QUICK.

We gots a bushel full of tunes, including the thoroughly hyped Girl Band single and some actual girls. Recommendation tab, first door on the left. Expect lots more girls in future updates. Oh, and further down the hall in the Elsewhere tab, there's my Scraps review on Collapse Board. Less of a kudo to that producer and more of a swan song to Oppenheimer Analysis, but eh.

Ummm, what else? Ah. I've moved to the other side of Athens, a 13-minute odyssey that's landed me in the thumping heart of everything, in an artiste's home. Waaaaay more comfortable. Time will tell how this'll affect the acoustics in future shows!

The Big 1-0.14 February

I'm so confused. Folks in Athens and Macon report feeling an earthquake, and I didn't feel a single shake. Kinda jealous.

ANYWAY. The tenth Soundscape Broadcast is up now, under the Broadcast tab.

Also, I've been busy on the Collapse Boards (and got another review or two in the works). That's under the Elsewhere tab.

Got it? Good. Going to bed now.

News Flash.1 February, 2014

I can't get away from this stuff, kids. Music is exploding from every corner, and the least I can do is hold down the old Soundscape fort and gather in the bands I should've praised a month ago. Today's three-pronged offering is under the Recommendation - if you've been a diligent (ha) listener of the Mixcloud show, you'll recognize most of 'em, but not all.

I'm still churning away quality blurbs on ze Collapse Boards, of course. Check out the rude blast I planted as the Song of the Day under the Elsewhere tab.

Anywho, that's hardly what's happening lately in the great wide music vista of the web. Not one, but TWO reigning Soundscape champs - Churn Milk Joan and Dementio13 - are releasing new albums. The former is out now, and this funky stew simmers even longer than the previous outings. Fetch it here for whatever price you name. As for the latter, the prolific maestro of keys has co-mingled with many fellow artists for an extremely colorful pallet of tunes, including a few enigmatic word spinners! Be excited.

In other realms - well, one word, chicos and chicas - TUNABUNNY. It's a-comin'. You knew this, of course, but the light now shines on a distant horizon, and the press wave should swell and inundate the masses sooner or later. (I'm staging my own pincer coup to loosen the floodgates.) Be VERY excited. DANCE!!

SHOW!!!23 January, 2014

Yup, kids, the new broadcast is finished at last. I've crammed in bunches of stuff, and I'm not sure at all what'll fly. You kids up for some extreme industrial choral terror?! Because we got that, and some Aussie alt rock gems, and some live sessions, and other stuff from last year and this year as well. That's under the More -> Broadcasts tab.

Also, penned a few more Collapsed reviews. Refer to the Elsewhere tab.

In other news - WAIT, STOP THE PRESS: since I recorded that broadcast, Everett True has returned to ze Collapse Boards to champion surfy good-time girl-meets-skater group The Aquadolls. Welcome back, Ev (although you really weren't gone, in fact you hadn't even left the building)! I'll hand the keys back over, I swear.

More Collapsed Articles.14 January, 2014

More Collapse Board material? YEAH! I reviewed that new Malkmus album, and premiered a new (-ish) cassette. Seems that, since we're only two weeks into January, I can still promote last year's cream until fresh new talent blooms. At any rate, this stuff is too good to not share. The cassette, anyway. Wig Out is nothing to wig out about, anyway. That's under the Elsewhere tab.

Oh - in case you don't know, Everett True's tumblr is now illustrated. Lovely, right? Wouldn't it look so much lovelier as a book? I agree! Donate to Ev by using the button in the top-left corner, and one day that frail little blog will blossom into a hardy book. DO IT.

Incensed!11 January, 2014

Something is breaking. Times once were that I prided myself in masquerading under a male persona on the interwebs. NO MORE. I've related a minor Twitter incident that, upon reflection, is actually downright insulting. (Thanks in advance, of course, to Everett for pointing out the injustice of it, Helen Tingle for sharing, and Karren Ablaze!, who I don't know personally yet and who doesn't personally know me either, but awoke this anger in the first place.) It's in Memoirs and Milestones. Oh, and there's a challenge for you female readers at the bottom. HOP TO IT.

With luck, some more music-related spiels should tumble out of the Collapse Boards. Eventually. I'm no Scott Creney or Everett True, but so long as I can spout strong words and pick out quality tunage, I will.

Another one?!6 January, 2014

Well, no fresh produce this time - but I have here a review that should've seen the light of day ages ago, i.e some 45 days ago or so. But the kids at Gold Flake Paint just couldn't handle this one, no siree, so we'll (i.e I'll) distribute the wackiness of Bearsuit recs right here, where all the world can see it again. Under the Recommendations tab, as per usual.

Good lord, I've been goin' nuts! Don't forget to peek at some of the raucous junk I've been raving about earlier this week. Oh, and I isolated the Cowtown / Albert's Basement review into one bite-sized page. Break it off and share with yr friends.

ALSO - holy hotcakes, Batman! In the same day, my two-folded, double-edged Lonnie Holley album review reared its head on Collapse Board. The new sensation sweeping the inter-nation! Under the Elsewhere tab, if you so desire to see.

TRASHWHORE PANTIES! 5 January, 2014

Yes! We got 'em, the hottest selling lingerie on the market, TRASHWHORE PANTIES, by the latest and greatest new designers from the UK, the Moonrakers! We've also got vintage spell books, yessir, calf-leather bound, blood ink, genuine demonic seal pressed in wax on the front. Authentic Wytch gear! And finally, while they last, these fabulous unstruments, all 100% de-tuned and deconstructed. Quality Sky Needle products! All right here in the Recommendations Market!

...back in the serious voice. School starts formally tomorrow, and it'll be 5 degrees in the morning. You can laugh, but Georgians are freaking out over here. This doesn't happen - or, at least, has not happened for two decades (i.e in my living memory). So yes, life seems about as freaky as a Moonrakers or Sky Needle song right now. But also just as thrilling. And dangerous.

One more announcement - are you following Everett True's tumblr?! I don't even run a tumblr, but I'm probably reading about half a dozen of his anecdotes a day. I don't know where it's going - he doesn't know where it's going - but I am transfixed.

Ramblings, Voltage, and News4 January, 2014

Second, a lil' while ago I wrote my first Song of the Day for Collapse Board. You already know how awesome North Dakota is, but my piece actually honed in more on the whiners bitching about Everett True's departure. So it'd still be a fresh read for ya. Dig it up under the Elsewhere tab.

I am sorry to report that I probably won't be a Dandelion Radio DJ this year, because the spot has been filled by the far-more-capable Kevin. He's one of us, though - he featured Blanche Blanche Blanche AND the New Sound of Numbers on his first radio show, along with other slices of excellence, so be sure to catch his show on the Dandy waves. Speaking of which - the impartial Festive Fifty list I rolled out last week has been fleshed out now. All that's missing is that #12 spot. That's in the Memoirs and Milestones tab, in case you missed it.

Finally, next week I'll lurch back into the UGA, so output may or may not be dinted a tad. However, bright lights are shining in the horizon. I heard the masters for a bunch of new HHBTM records in Wuxtry today, and they all sound ACE. You should be PSYCHED. Reviews for all three will surely follow, in multiple outlets. Don't touch that dial!

Festive 40! (Sorry.)28 December, 2013

Another year end, kids, and another Festive Fifty festivus. Dandelion Radio's a special little haven for me, the first new music radio station that I actually cared about, and that introduced me to a vast, cascading realm of sounds and peoples. I have forty (well, thirty-nine) of the tunes on the list, and they're the ones that count - go on, say I'm one of those antsy journalist types that want to be first - but let's face it, you wanna know who the real champs are, don't ya? Well, I've stamped it into print in the Milestones and Memoirs tab, mostly for my own benefit than yours, although please do peruse if you can't quite catch the show. Hopefully I'll have the bottom ten up soon.

And I've created separate pages for the last two Recommendations. Bite-size pieces to share with yr friends.

Happy new year, you lucky schmucks with amiable company.

Chicks that rock.27 December, 2013

Damnit. It's about time I joined a band, isn't it? This needs to become a reality. Because how hard can it be to pick up a big bright phallic symbol and rock the fuck out of it?! Funky bass chick, that's what I wanna be. That's my resolution for 2014. I've been pining over it for a few years now. Last year the idea sounded plausible, but I lacked the money, time and nerve, but mostly nerve. It will happen. It will happen.

Anyway. I'm pumping myself up, because I've found two bands fronted by chicks that have made a mess out the whole rock thing - North Dakota and Dogtower. Find them under the Recommendations tab.

Oh - hope you had a cheery holiday and all that. Me? Sure. But I just need school to start up again so I can be away from here and reclaim the little chunk of the world that might be my life.

Peace out, kids - and DANCE DANCE DANCE.

Collapsed Report.23 December, 2013

Yeah, so that review marathon didn't pan out as planned. Ya can't hammer down on these things before a major holiday vacation, I've learned. HOWEVER. After Everett True's epic track-by-track synopsis of 2013, I finally decided that, hey, my opinion's as valid as anyone else's. So I pondered, and compiled a list. Shouldn't be anything new for you regulars of the Soundscape, but might jog yr memory nevertheless. Also, I wrote another rave review for Hangin Freud - why? Because it's a cassette, and because I can. So dredge those up from the Elsewhere tab.

Fun miscellaneous fact - this is the first update from me new iPad. WOO.

So I dunno if I'll have that final pair of reviews out by Christmas. We'll see. If I can have some quality alone time w/ the Festive Fifty tomorrow, I'll cover that first.

At any rate...peace for the holidays, guys.

PS(SSST):

Review-a-thon, First Leg.16 December, 2013

I'm torn when it comes to Christmas. One side of me hates the commericial stew of it all, the infectious jollyness and the superimposed goodwill. The other side of me loves baking, wrapping, Christmas light sight-seeing, all those little humdrum traditions. All removed from the actual reason of the season, naturally - but hey, Jesus wasn't actually born on December 25th, anyway. Besides, we've been in the Xmas spirit ever since the invention of Santa Claus.

ANYWAY. Instead of those bothersome and always dubious best-of lists, I'm still turning out Recommendations. Hopefully, I can turn out a healthy bundle before Christmas. I've sent some feelers out to a few places, but no one's receiving - so fine. Soundscape Memoirs rides on! With exclamation marks! Peer into the Recommendations page for reviews of !mindparade and Finnmark!. And keep tabs on those two - I've got high hopes for both of 'em.

With luck and patience, my mug'll turn up in other places. Websites, radio stations, videos. Yes, videos. DON'T TOUCH THAT DIAL! Unless, of course, you're looking for the Waiting Room. In which case, PLEASE TOUCH THAT DIAL! Follow the man on yr social networks and catch the next show.

Peace, guys. And remember - ENTHUSIASM!

New show for the masses.9 December, 2013

Yup, the next Soundscape Broadcast is out. And it's so wrong. By that, I mean that I screwed up half a dozen times. Some mistakes and omissions:

1. ABAGA, not AMAGA.2. Forgot to mention that Solarno has also released his annual Christmas EP - which, this year, features a tradition Hanukah tune, too.3. Also forgot to mention that Audio Antihero is re-releasing Comfort Songs as a cassette (because nearly all the CDs were adopted by loving families).4. DO NOT BE ANGRY, BASTARDS OF FATE. (You'll find out why when you reach that point in the broadcast. Don't worry, I almost redeem myself. Maybe.)5. The Noon: 30 track is called "Gun In My Pocket", not "gun". I'll change that as soon as I can timestamp the sucker.6. Totally did not intend for the picture to be sideways. However, given the wrongness of said broadcast, I'll keep it that way.7. The name of the !mindparade LP is "Everything is Happening". I probably forgot to name some other EPs, too.

Sounds great, right?! Yeah. So now that I've skewered my dignity, you can check out this broadcast under the Broadcast tab, which is now the "More" tab.

Also, my first feature was posted on Collapse Board. That's under Elsewhere. Won't be the last one, either - but, after reading Scott's brilliant piece on the wonderful Dot Wiggin Band, I realized that I needed to completely rewrite the album review I was working on. Bah. Call me insecure. Anyway, I've got to renew the Cassette of the Week craze, so I'll be back again anyway. And I may have some other surprise, too...

The Red Button Theatre.2 December, 2013

For what it's worth, I cobbled up a new section - the Red Button Theatre. Because nearly all the music videos you watch these days are on YouTube, and when it's embedded in a site, ya press the big red button in the center. Plus, pressing a red button often leads to something explosive. Hence, the Red Button Theatre. The first three entries for this week include a Churn Milk Joan interview in a shed, a live Lizzo show, and a New Sound of Numbers video. About as mixed as trail mix, I'd say. (Y'know, the kind with M&Ms AND chex pieces AND cashews AND raisins. I'm the raisin. Or sultana, whatever ya call it.) It's under that "More..." button over yonder.

Oh. And I gushed about King Champion Sounds and their vital, blissful sounds on Collapse Board. That's under the Elsewhere tab. A-wonderin' if I need to write something nasty now.

Another Week Recap.29 November, 2013

Hullo again! It's late and I'm drowsy, but let's barrel right through this, shall we?

The oh-so-savvy HHBTM label is about to launch a slew of new releases in 2014, and they've signed on half a dozen new acts (or, relatively new). Today I bring you four of 'em. Indulge in the Recommendations tab.

(By the by, label owner Mike's got to clear out bunches of records to make way for all the new stuff. Check out the crazy bundle sales here.)

ALSO. Found a new fave band called Fly Ashtray and raved about it for Collapse Board. This might be a regular engagement, yeah? Watch out, though, because soon I might do something drastic. Like music video reviews, or somethin'. Who knows. Anywho, peek under the Elsewhere tab.

Finally, I can safely say that I lied during the last Mixcloud show, and that I'll definitely air one more regular show this year. When that'll be out, though, is anyone's guess. Including mine.

Week Recap.22 November, 2013

Man, what a week so far. Here on the Soundscape front, we've had many little victories across the interwebs. First, on Monday, GoldFlakePaint ran not one, but TWO of my articles. One was an album review of the Meets, a rambunctious collective of jams that's been recorded, rearranged, and mashed together by Brandon Locher; the other was the B-side of a "new" single from Cloud. Second, last night my rave of Houston-born rapper Lizzo popped up on that holiest of critic havens, Collapse Board. Hurrah to the Waiting Room for finding this bangin' chick first, and to Everett True for accepting my mad and misspelled ravings. Peek under the Elsewhere tab to find all these musings.

Also, my seventh (well, technically eighth, but the seventh two-hour) Mixcloud show is up, under the Broadcast tab. I think I lied in that intro - it probably won't be the last regular show of the year. Hint, hint.

Words! Yeah!17 November, 2013

BOOM, lookit that. I just whipped up two reviews over the course of two nights. WHAT THEN? Yes, the school year is winding down, and any assignments that I have left are diminishing in significance as I return some long-overdue reviews to some very deserving folk. Today's update is bound together by a fascination for the primal drone, though each band handles that beast quite differently. It's also rather monochrome, between the shifting gray of Winkie to the alternating black-and-white of Muuy Biien. So something for everyone, hopefully. That's under the Recommendation tab, naturally.

HOWEVER, if you're pining for some color, the fourth installment in techno aesthete Solarno's color series is out, Viridis (aka green). And, like the others in the series, it's a cracker. AND it's two bucks, so go buy it, ya cheapskate.

Show Time.15 November, 2013

It's nearly two weeks too late, but I've rolled out a new Mixcloud show. All sorts of wrongness involved, in the words I do and don't say (and I said a bunch), the songs I do and don't play.

Some corrections: the actual name for Duchess Says' next LP is "In a Fung Day T!"; that dude from Deerhunter is Bradford Cox, not Brandon Cox; and the LP from The Leg is called "Oozing a Crepuscular Light". Just so you know.

At any rate, loads and loads of free music is up for grabs on the Broadcast tab, so peek under there for the newest playlist and a link to the show itself.

In other worlds - I SWEAR, I ACTUALLY WROTE A REVIEW. But we're waiting for it to surface. Also, I'm giddy as all get-out over the chance to see this guy next week. I'll be dancing me feets off. And finally, yours truly and a few other esteemed Athenites might be present in an upcoming Cars Can Be Blue video. Stay tuned.

What? Another Memoir?5 November, 2013

Hey. I've been reading a lot of Paul Morley lately. I've been about town a bit. Man, the world is strange. People are strange. But Morley knows this, and organizes this strangeness into a woozy order that isn't an order, not in the conventional sense, but an order nevertheless. I'm crazy, crazy fascinated by it all.

So, for what it's worth, I've attempted to reflect on certain events - and a certain person, who you may have heard of - through this new nonsensical way of arranging the universe. Maybe it worked. Maybe it didn't. But I tucked a bit of news in there. At any rate, maybe I'll kick your head in a new direction. See for yourself in the Memoirs page.

As for a personal update - recording for the seventh Mixcloud show (yes, it'll be a full 2-hour onslaught) is currently under way. Also, I swear that an actual album review is simmering on the back burner. Trust me, it'll be good and tender when it's done.

Oh - NEW CHURN MILK JOAN ALBUM. You know you want some. All the steamy, heady, lock-groove cool-as-funk you love, but with even more exotic spices. Go get it. Throw money at it.

Some Retrospecs.1 November, 2013

You know what happened today? Yes - voting for the annual Festive Fifty shindig of esteemed underground radio bunker Dandelion Radio began today. And my word ain't law, but nevertheless I thought I'd refresh your memory a bit with what some of my faves were from the station. Now, mind - this certainly isn't my "BEST OF THE BEST OF THE BEST OF 2013" list, particularly since I've kept tabs on other radio shows, Cloudcasts, local scenesters, Collapse Board, and so on and so forth. Whether or not you agree with my top 3 is totally up to you - and, quite honestly, now that I've cast my vote, I'm not too sure that I agree with 'em, either! But, alas, they're in the hat, and now it's your turn. Peek under the Memoirs and Milestones tab, if you're still curious. And, of course, vote here.

Also - a week ago, my gushing praise for New Sound of Numbers' Invisible Magnetic popped up on GoldFlakePaint. So that's under the Elsewhere tab.

Announcements...electronic alchemist Dissolved teamed up with Section 27 glitch-splicer Nonima for one stunning LP, Macro Flinching. Which I've meant to write a proper review for, but have lately been (and still am) buried in piles of writing. When I do, I'll let ye know - for now, though, you'll have to trust my word and spin this sucker for yourself. A dream, a nightmare, a stark and lucid blending of nocturnal forces.

And Exhale.24 October, 2013

...because I'm sure, for one long and agonizing month, you've been holding your breath in rabid anticipation of the other half of last month's broadcast. As it turns out, I began recording it a few weeks ago, but due to all the busy-ness that ensues around grad school, never finished. Now, FINALLY, I've

WHOA - A REVIEW29 September, 2013

So, I spun out half a radio show last week, which made me feel like I was back in the game. But who am I kidding? This was a blog first! So, in bloggerly fashion, I'm introducing you to two of Athens' lesser known rock stars. You probably haven't heard of the first, but you ought to recognize the second bloke (or else you haven't been doing your homework!). That's under the Recommendation tab, as usual.

In other local news, HHBTM's no-nonsense punks Muuy Biien premiered a new video this week on Clash. It's barely a minute long and exactly what a punk video should be - abrupt and violent. Go check it here. And if you haven't snagged their last LP - it's right here, ya chump.

(And don't think, by the by, that I've stopped isolating articles. No, I'll create separate pages for this article and the previous one. Eventually. It just takes loads of time to do, y'know, and I haven't had too much timestuffs lately.)

Against All Logic...24 September, 2013

Good lord. I've got to revise and pitch a story, upload photos to a class blog, and edit a website for another professor...why am I here? Because this is waaaaay overdue. And bunches of lovely people have been culling together some very rad Cloudcasts to remind me how effin' fun and therapeutic it is to whip up a show. SO! I'm finally back with 1/2 of episode #6. Yup, half of all that eccentric, loud, and obscure goodness, waiting for your perusal under the Broadcasts tab.

ALSO, possessed by a rabid work ethic and a slightly obsessed fan-ness, I churned out an interview with Black Light Dinner Party this week. That's under Elsewhere.

And, while I'm dedicating things, I should probably also mention that over a 1/4 of this show was also derived from the mega sweet The Waiting Room Radio Show. Thanks for rocking the house, Chris!

Vital Signs.29 August, 2013

Whew. So, in case you haven't heard, I've been pouring over books and churning out papers for grad school. HOWEVER, I've also amassed some massive new tunes lately. Thus, tonight's episode crams in five of the most stupefying singles and EPs I've found in one easily digestible Recommendation. Oh, and several of 'em are free, too. You're welcome.

Mind - this is not an extensive list. With fingers crossed, I MIGHT have a show up in a few weeks. MAYBE. We'll see.

In other news - many of my faves have unveiled new releases in the past few weeks, especially electronic masterminds isvisible and Dementio13. Check those out.

AND Audio Antihero's touting a new LP. Ben Parker of Nosferatu D2 is back in the Superman Revenge Squad, but with a few new friends. It's everything and nothing that you'd expect from him. Snag the free single here.

Another HHBTM Review.12 August, 2013

So. I am now your conduit for all things HHBTM. Yesterday I brought you a radio show chock full of juicy cuts from the enterprising label (see below update); today I bring you a review on the ever gnarly trio Cars Can Be Blue. As usual, that's under Recommendations.

Tomorrow night I'll be seeing Tunabunny alongside Muuy Biien and Chain and the Gang, and I'm beyond psyched. Might pen my very first live review to commemorate the event. Keep your eyes peeled...

An Actual Show.11 August, 2013

Today's the last day before classes start, and I've managed to yet again cull together a new Mixcloud show. Due to a great surge in music, this one stretched out to nearly 2 1/2 hours - but it features many ace tunes, including a five-track marathon from HHBTM (y'know, the dudes that support Tunabunny) and cuts from Jezus Factory and Daddy Tank. All this and much, much more - like E.m.m.a, Mirror Parties, and DIANA - can be streamed to your ears at the Broadcast tab.

A review elsewhere is pending, too. Stay tuned.

Reviews. Music.6 August, 2013

OK. So I'm here in my new pad in Athens, preparing for a semester in UGA. And things are going down. Life is a bit hectic right now. However, I still cobbled together a two-part feature under Recommendations on two rowdy bands from Bandcamp - and this time, I've finally integrated music players onto the site. About time, eh?

In other news, I've been busy with a few other side projects, which you can browse through on Elsewhere. These projects show no signs of slowing down, either - so long as I have some spare time, I'll still be hammering out reviews. Working on the next Mixcloud show, too.

Not now, however. Right now I'm about crash into bed. G'night.

Playlist Time.1 August, 2013

First off - I received my copy of Cloud's Comfort Songs today, and it's b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l. Pre-order it now, or your life will be infinitely more miserable.

Anywho: my second playlist is now up and running. It's a retrospective of my spending habits at a certain record store in Athens. Although, admittedly, it's not a complete list - but I'm only excluding Tunabunny, who I've already promoted heavily (besides, you should already own a copy of Genius Fatigue by now, right?!). Be warned - this one's loud, eclectic, and inevitably funky. Dig it under the Broadcast tab.

Peace, y'all.

Plus and Minus.31 July, 2013

As you probably gathered, I've been busy again on other fronts. Most notably, my review of Cloud's Comfort Songs (y'know, that LP from Audio Antihero that I raved about on the last broadcast) was released today on GoldFlakePaint, and my review on bright newcomer E.m.m.a's Blue Gardens was posted two days ago. You can read both of those on Elsewhere.

However, I've still managed to concoct some original content for ye ol' blog. First and foremost, I (finally) assessed the newest LP from Dissolved, Surge of the Lucid. Summary: it's fantastic. That's under Recommendations, of course. Second, I posted a rejected critique on Memoirs about those Pure Bathing Culture folk. Just for anyone who's curious.

Some news things: it IS time for a new broadcast, but I don't quite have enough material yet. Ergo, another playlist is in the works. Also, Jumble Hole Clough - another sublime side-project from the masterminds of Churn Milk Joan - released a serene new ambient album today, A Bird i'th'Hand. It's a pay-what-you-want download, so go catch it.

Maintenance and a Plug.23 July, 2013

No big reveal tonight, folks - I've only added a new station to the On My Radio tab, and isolated the last two articles into their separate pages. Peace.

More Reviews.21 July, 2013

Ay, me. Once again, I've been forced to wait until the black hours of night to post this update, and I'm especially tired tonight for some reason or another. So here's the lowdown: I've written two new Recommendations, on two completely contrasting artists. Also, my first article for the all-around bizarre webzine Sitting Now has been posted, and you'll find that under Elsewhere.

Is that all? No - no, not quite. Two things. First, the Understudies - remember, that fabulous band off the Indietracks comp, that I professed may have contributed the best damn track on there? - have dropped a new single, which will be released on the 29th, but shall be up for sale at the Indietracks Festival; you can pre-order the lovely lil' 7" here. Second, our old friend Paul Carr has unveiled a free and fascinating track called "The Saxon Crown", which you can download for whatever you wish here.

Don't forget, UK readers, that Tunabunny are stalking your nation, and are tearing up venues across the countryside. Here's a quick run-down of their remaining tour dates.

Radio On! - New Mixcloud Show.18 July, 2013

OK, folks! In case you didn't have enough to listen to already, I've uploaded my next Mixcloud show. And in this episode, I've introduced a track from Cloud's upcoming LP that you haven't heard yet. Honestly! Plus loads of tracks that you probably haven't heard either. There's a new track up for popular review, too - what say ye of Victories at Sea? Comments and concerns on the Mixcloud page, please! The show's under the Broadcast tab, of course, along with a list of links to the music. So go dig up some new tunage!

Also, I managed to sneak a feature for Tunabunny onto GFP. You can find that under Elsewhere.

'Tis all for now, I do believe. Thanks for tuning in.

FREE STUFF.14 July, 2013

I'm tired, so let's make this brief. I've posted a new article under Recommendations, that strongly lauds two entirely free albums. Read and grab 'em. Your life will be brighter and sexier thanks to these new finds.

Right. And if you haven't heard/seen the new deliciously demented track from the Count of Chateau Noir, you're missing out, man. Watch the lips of doom relate this chilling tale here.

Done. G'night.

A Fresh One From The Daddy Tank.10 July, 2013

Hello, kids! Hope you've been enjoying life and music lately, eh? I've finally whipped up my fourth Daddy Tank dip - and, this time, it concerns the label's newest release, the behemoth Pure Will from Backwards. Give that a read-through under Recommendations.

Now, some announcements. First, the prolific Dissolved have tucked away a FREE album, Telemetry Embers, on the Free Music Archive. GO GET IT. My next dip in the Daddy Tank will concern their latest LP, so let this whet your appetite until then.

Next, my heroes Tunabunny are invading the UK next week, and they've dropped this exclusive video for "Slackjawed" on God Is In The TV. More details on that tour shall ensue when I launch my special feature operation on Gold Flake Paint....

Finally, if ever you should fret over what to hear next, Audio Antihero released a very swell playlist last weekend on Mixcloud. Eclectic, entertaining, and of course studded with a few AAH stars.

Oh. And I've been rather busy - and shall continue to be busy - on Gold Flake Paint. See the Elsewhere tab for some of my recent musings over yonder.

The Third Foray Into Mixcloud.5 July, 2013

It's here at last - the third installment to the Soundscape Broadcast series. This show features the fantastic Daddy Tank label, while also highlighting new releases of the month and relatively new releases from the past year or two. Plus, I'm granting YOU the chance to help me analyze a brand spankin' new single. Exciting, right? Check out the show and the full setlist under the Broadcast tab.

Oh. And I forgot one announcement to include in the show - Mr. Audio Antihero himself, Jamie Halliday, will make a guest appearance on Bush Radio's Wrong Rock Show next Monday, 8 July (4 PM EST/9 PM GBT). He'll be touting his recent signing, Cloud, and their upcoming LP Comfort Songs, and probably spinning some choice cuts from that mighty comp REGAL V. STEAMBOAT. The man's taste is impeccable, so I urge you to tune in.

That's all for now, everyone.

A Fearsome Threesome.3 July, 2013

So. Tomorrow is Independence Day, eh? Hmm. Howzabout we ring in America's birthday with three new and distinctive artists, eh? It's a wildly diverse mix, ranging from hypnotic grooves to earth-shattering prog to ghostly melancholy. Something for everyone, no doubt! Huzzah for diversity! Also, while you're on the Recommendations page - see how every code is now blue? All hyperlinks. Now EVERY article - including the one I just posted - can be picked out from the tapestry and enjoyed in isolation. Perfect for sharing with friends/PR folk/other artists.

In other news - recording for the new Mixcloud show will commence soon. Not kidding this time. Brace yourselves.

And in other, other news - Audio Antihero has recently received the physical CDs for the label's third ever LP, from soon-to-be indie heroes Cloud. Have a look-see at these lovely things - and pre-order one yourself, while you're browsing the Bandcamp page.

Now, that's all. Here's a joyous 4th, eh?

Maintenance Report #2. (Must. Stop.)30 June, 2013

ARGH. So I thought I could isolate every last article tonight into a separate page, but alas...I'm about eight articles away, and sleepiness creeps. I swear, once I've finished this, I'll resume my prolific output. Got at least two or three features lined up. Hopefully something new new should be out by Tuesday. But, now...excuse me while I go hit the hay.

Maintenance Report #1.27 June, 2013

For the longest time - since I've shifted to Weebly, I s'pose - I've been musing over the "tapestry" format of my Recommendations page. On the one hand, I do enjoy stacking completely unrelated articles on top of each other, encouraging your wandering eyes to sift through artists that you may not have normally noticed. On the other hand, folks do like to grab individual articles for tweeting, and Facebooking (?), and whatnot. SO, I've devised the perfect compromise - the tapestry remains in tact, but I'm also creating individual pages for each article. So, you want to check out just Extradition Order? Done. Forgot who His Electro Blue Voice was? No problem. Mind, I'm not finished yet, but you can already see how the new format will look. A welcome update, yes?

Oh. Londonites. Joy Zine is hosting a gig for the ages: five bands, five quid, at the Windmill Brixton. Paul Hawkins & Thee Awkward Silences, Extradition Order, and Jack Hayter, together under one roof? GLORIOUS. If only I could skate across the waters and join them...! But, alas. The magic happens on Friday night, 8 PM. See the event page here. GO. And send back a detailed report.

Update #2 - The Synths Descend.26 June, 2013

In today's second installment, I discuss two cool cats that I'm shamelessly in love with. I'm talking about the absurd synthpop duo Tingle In The Netherlands, and their debut LP, Why Can't You Write Something Nice For A Change? Dig that - and the previous update, below - under Recommendations.

That is all for today. My next Mixcloud show's setlist is still in flux, but it should be out within the first week of July, if all fares well...

Wait. That's NOT all for today. One quick announcement - Audio Antihero's third LP ever, the highly anticipated debut from Cloud, has been unveiled on Bandcamp. Still not technically out yet, but you can at least marvel at the setlist and the cover art - and, naturally, pre-order the album. And if you haven't heard the glorious single that's pricking everyone's ears, then DIG IT. Click here.

Update #1 - Attack of the Comp!26 June, 2013

Numero uno, you ask? That's right - I've got another review lined up for later today/tonight. But, for now, dig this - I recently assessed this year's compilation from the Indietracks Festival, and concluded that it's essentially a good 'un. If you're thinking 'about attended that massive fest, consider this review your guidebook. Not exactly free, but hey - with 47 tracks from two quid, how could you say no? (Well, OK, I could think of a few reasons, but...)

Also, I recently covered yet another Track of the Day over at Gold Flake Paint. If you haven't heard Weekend yet, now's yer chance.

Expect the next update - on a proper LP this time - in, oh, three hours or so?

Competition Dancing - A New Playlist.24 June, 2013

So, the time was nigh for a new show...but alas, a large chunk of the stuff I'd like to present for next time are still traveling across the globe to reach me. Thus, for now, I've whipped up this playlist of tunes that compel me to dance. The show and the setlist are under Broadcasts - check it out, even if you've heard the show, because I've thrown in a few links in there to free music and such. However, I THOUGHT I'd be able to lend you Extradition Order's Golden Square, but it seems to have vanished from last.fm. Ay! Anyone know when that was released?

Oh, and I updated yesterday, too. See below. Cheers.

The Third Dip. Announcements.23 June, 2013

Hi. Long time no see, eh? Yes - I've been busy on other fronts, unfortunately. But, here I am, bearing exciting news...

First, my third segment on Daddy Tank is up, with a thorough review of a mesmerizing LP from Hangin Freud (plus a free download), so hop over to Recommendations for that. Second, I've been busy yet again on GFP, so I've added a few more of my articles on Elsewhere. Finally - well, let's just say that the third Mixcloud show is in the pre-preliminary planning stage. Expect an exposé on Daddy Tank, more new releases of both major and minor degrees, and a few flashbacks thrown in for good measure. Which means that more pre-program blitzes are in order...

Oh, and one more important item. Remember Balancer? I covered them a few months ago, under article BC1235 (or, If you’d rather not read through my blab, here’s the EP). It’s a gorgeous release, both inside and out, but Balancer’s only work to date. However – not for long! Yes, the dream team have returned to the studio for their first full-length; alas, they need some help with the finances. If “House In The Clouds” knocked you flat, then hop over to Balancer’s Kickstarter page and show your support. $15 will secure you a pre-order, but you’re welcome to lend as much or as little as you’d like. Kudos.

Another Eclectic EP!17 June, 2013

Hello, everyone! I've received yet another weird and wonderful EP, this time from those Scottish curators of the bizarre, Bearsuit Records. Jikan Ga Nai is a pairing of two vets from the label, and they've released four curious tracks that really sparked my imagination. Hop over to Recommendations to catch the scoop.

Oh. TWO - yes, TWO - of my articles were published today on Gold Flake Paint. One of my fantastic finds, UUVVWWZ, has revived a dead feature! Plus, I reviewed some raw rave from down in Florida. Go check it out on Elsewhere. And while you're at GFP, I'd encourage you to stream that new Hibou EP, and the crazy single from Turnpike Glow. Excellent stuff.

Hey, what'd ya think of my last Mixcloud show? Be sure to tune in if you haven't already - this one's already causing quite a stir!

Who Is Paul Carr?13 June, 2013

So, during my last Mixcloud show, I showcased a certain Paul Carr. In case you were curious about this mysterious individual, I've written up a lil' review on his last EP, The History of Aviation, under Recommendations. And, eh, that's all for today. Let it be known, though, that more and more is coming lately - and, with some luck, I'll have some more posts out in other places, too...

OH - and, by the by, the tour dates I mentioned in the show are WRONG. Tunabunny won't hit UK's shores until July 15th.

Now, THAT'S everything. Cheers, folks.

Second Show.12 June, 2013

Phew. After much deliberation and suspense, I've finally unleashed my second broadcast onto the world. It's a two-hour affair this time, which celebrates Tunabunny's whirlwind tour in the UK and dishes out new (or relatively new) cuts from artists far and wide. Go to the Broadcast tab to find the link.

Also, throughout the show, I shamelessly promote the latest releases from Audio Antihero - including a BRAND NEW ARTIST to the label! Tune in to find out who the lucky schmuck is! (Or, if you're impatient, just click here.)

I thought I could squeeze in a review, too - but, alas, it's 23:30, and I've had a loooong day. Expect that article sometime either tomorrow or the day after.

Preparations, Part 2.10 June, 2013

Evening! My second pre-show article is up now. I THOUGHT I'd only have two artists for you tonight in Recommendations, but - alas! Something wicked just came out today, and I had to squeeze it in. Savor it all, because each band today can be streamed on their respective Bandcamp sites.

Also, I wrote yet another feature for Audio Antihero, which includes more free tunes. Dig it under Elsewhere.

That's all for now. Do enjoy...

P.S - I jumped on the "This Is My Jam" bandwagon. My username's under the Drop A Line! section if you're curious.

Preparations. Part 1.7 June, 2013

Hello, hello! I'm bustling about more than ever, and I'm also happier than a lark could ever be. I successfully published an interview; a new broadcast in the works; and new music is plentiful and beautiful. Thanks again to all you listeners, readers, and general fans!

I've whipped up three new Recommendations for you - with links to free streams for each - and I've posted the link to that mystery interview in Elsewhere.

Have a stellar weekend, everyone...

Another Dip in the Daddy Tank.3 June, 2013

Oy, folks. We - oh, who am I kidding? I - have been rather busy lately. In particular, I've been plotting out questions for this interview with - oh, my bad. Can't tell you yet. And my, oh my, has so much new music been flowing through my ears this week. But I started this second section to my Daddy Tank exclusive nearly two weeks ago, so 'tis about time I patched that one up. The article is on Social Studies - the first full-length hip-hop review! - and there's a free download AND a tip on a big sale hidden in there somewheres. Dig it under Recommendations.

Oh, and I wrote a few more articles for GFP (told you I was busy). These may be two of the most highly lauded new acts of the year (albeit for completely separate reasons), so don't miss 'em.

Cheers, folks.

Yes, An Article.29 May, 2013

Finally, folks, I've written a new exclusive for my dear ol' blog. Today/tonight we feature some very lovely music from London - half classical whimsy, half timeless folk. And, what's more, all entirely free. Hop over to the Recommendations tab to see for yourself.

By the by, Helena was lauded as one the best new artists on Audio Antihero's new compilation (REGAL vs. STEAMBOAT, right here) by Mark Whitby of Dandelion Radio. If you need more persuasion to purchase that almighty album, read his glowing praises here.

And finally, I've been busy again with GoldFlakePaint. Flip over to Elsewhere to see what sonic territories I've been crossing lately. Heads up, though - I'll have a very special exclusive later in June with a band that you haven't heard of yet, but certainly will hear of in good time.

Don't forget to peek into my Mixcloud broadcast when you have the time. Features sweet music, rare cuts, and my voice. Dig under the Broadcast tab to tune it.

First Broadcast!26 May, 2013

It's here! Yes! The very first Soundscape Broadcast! With my voice and everything! Hop over to the brand new "Broadcasts" page and click on the title of the first show to check it out. It covers much of the old articles that I've neglected to bring back from the old Blogger pad. Totally solid. So go listen to it.

First, the tunage. That one-man indie powerhouse of London, Jamie Halliday of Audio Antihero, released his third benefit compilation, "REGAL vs. STEAMBOAT", and this time all proceeds go toward Rape Crisis England & Wales and Rape Crisis Scotland. It's a serious cause, but the album won't be politically supercharged; as Jamie himself noted, "the release itself isn't meant to be the message...it's just a
(hopefully) entertaining means of providing a wonderful charity with
some well deserved finances." And with stellar artists like Jeffrey Lewis, Bored Nothing, Stagecoach, David Cronensburg's Wife, and Darren Hayman, AAH champions like Benjamin Shaw, Broken Shoulder, and Ben Parker of Nosferatu D2, and much, much more (31 tracks in all!), you're guaranteed to have a blast. Best of all, this feast of splendid tunes can be yours for just a minimum donation of £3.99 ($6)! What a crazy good deal! Of course, if you can dig a little deeper in your pockets, Jamie would really appreciate it. I lent $8.30...go on, just try to match me!

Now, for the second cause. Even if you're reading this from the UK, you're probably familiar with Athens, Georgia - this groovy lil' burb has been a vibrant and lively scene for upcoming, talented bands for decades. HHBTM is a Athens-based record label, and they've nurtured that creative vibe by hosting the beloved Athens PopFest and, of course, putting out sweet records (remember when I covered Tunabunny?). However, one of HHBTM's driving forces, Eric Hernandez, has diabetes, and is struggling with some major medical bills after being hospitalized earlier this year. If you can spare any little cash, send it along via PayPal to e6r6i6c@gmail.com. Help keep this spirited, musical community afloat!

A Journey Through Pang.20 May, 2013

Well. Here we are again. I thought I'd have a full-length feature for you on my hoard from Daddy Tank by now, but instead I have only one review - but it's no ordinary review. No, due to the expansive, imaginative nature of Pang, I slipped into a narrative while trying to describe the album's sound...see what ya think. It's under Recommendations, as usual.

Also, over the weekend, I wrote yet another review for GoldFlakePaint. That's up on Elsewhere.

Where is that promised Broadcast tab, you ask? Be patient, friends. The track list is set, but I still haven't recorded my bits. And I REALLY want to narrate this one, if only to prove that I can!

More Non-Updates.17 May, 2013

As the title implies, there are no new exclusives today, either. However, I have added my first two full-length reviews from GoldFlakePaint to the Elsewhere tab. Also, I've updated the table of contents for Recommendations - now, you can see which artists are featured in each article. A bit tidier, eh?

Now, though I've been quite busy/absent this week, I promise that I'll have a new exclusive up soon. As in, by next week. Trust me!

Busy, busy.11 May, 2013

Hello, folks! If you're looking for today's new article, you won't find it here - you'll have to look Elsewhere! That's right: one of the new sections that I promised for last week is now available. There you'll find an exclusive "Introducing" blurb for GoldFlakePaint, and a sentimental journey through my personal record collection on Audio Antihero.

As an added bonus, I unearthed my very first two articles from the Blogger pad and buried them at the bottom of the Recommendations section. For any interested parties, of course.

That's all for now - but be on the lookout for more from Elsewhere. That Broadcast section is still in the pipeline, too.

A Pithy Update.6 May, 2013

Evening, everyone! Several swingin’ things are happening over here. First off, of course, is yet another stash of reviews, comprising beat poetry, ghastly terrors, and some good ol' chums that rock the pub. That's under "Recommendations", of course.

Second, though, are the advents on the horizon. Two new sections are in the works: Elsewhere and Broadcasts. Yes, folks, I’m branching out from my humble abode here on Soundscape – and in my never-ending quest to laud deserving bands, I’m aspiring to become a feature writer for other sundry sites. Hasn’t happened, yet, sadly – largely because I’m a coward! – but I am preparing a special guest blog post for a dear friend of mine. So, when I compile that, you’ll find it under the Elsewhere section. As for the other page, Broadcasts…well, how’d ya like to hear me on Mixcloud? That’s right – I’m plotting my first Soundscape Broadcast, composed of the best artists that I’ve championed in this blog’s infancy. And me talking. Exciting, right?

And, last, a few announcements concerning recent releases. Broken Shoulder just released another wonderful EP last Friday, Title Track, as both a digital download and a handmade CDR. (That's available right here.) And, today, two highly anticipated albums will wing their way to respectable record stores everywhere: Public Service Broadcasting's Inform, Educate, Entertain and Savages' Silence Yourself. I've already acquired the latter, and I can safely say that this baby is an instant classic. If you value my judgement, then read my lips: GO BUY IT.

Anywho, that's all for tonight. Rock on, kids!

EDIT: Just received an assignment this morning. This Elsewhere joint could be up sooner than I expected!

The Earlier Work. And Someone Else's Work!2 May, 2013

I've brought in a few more articles from the old site, which seem to be woefully short in comparison to my later reviews. (Strange Forces hardly received a blurb! Shameful, Lee!) Hmm. If time permits later, I'll revisit these albums that I neglected before and treat them with some proper play-by-play analysis.

Anywho, if you're tired of me raving about things, here's a recommendation from Daddy Tank Records founder, Kim Monaghan, which I strongly advocate. In fact, if you check the comments for the article, you'll see that I've left a link to download the album from!

New (To You) Stuff!30 April, 2013

I've written a new article tonight. Rather pleased of the selection I've culled together, if I do say so myself. I had some "bigger", more recent names on my list, but after taking stock of my recent discoveries, these three deserve the praise most. And, best of all, everything in tonight's feature is available on Bandcamp, so you can stream to your heart's content - and then, hopefully, lend a few quid/bucks for a quality download. So hop over the Recommendations page and see what stewin' at the top.

By the by, it IS now May in the UK, which means that new Dandelion shows are streaming right now. Rejoice, American listeners!

News. (And More Routine Unpacking.)29 April, 2013

Another uneventful evening of unpacking articles tonight, I'm afraid. However - be assured, that at some point tomorrow (I can't say when) a new cluster of reviews will appear. I'll once again share an exposé on a Twitter follower, and uncover two other Bandcamp gems released (coincidentally!) around the same time. Get excited - this is class stuff.

In other ultra-indie news, Daddy Tank Records just wheeled out Joe DeVita's The Antiherothis morning. Totally psyched. And you will be, too, after you snap up this free download on the label's Bandcamp page.

Finally, if you'd care to read someone else (far more knowledgable than me!) gush about Jack Hayter and Audio Antihero, then dig into this heartfelt review of The Sisters of St. Anthony written by Dandelion DJ Mark Whitby. Couldn't agree with him more. And I absolutely can't WAIT to hear his show this May on Dandelion Radio!

Reminisce/Anticipate 27 April, 2013

Hello, hello. Nothing terribly new tonight - I've only restored three more old articles back to Soundscape. While I was unpacking, however, I read through some of the old reviews, and...well, that terrible nostalgia bug crept up on me. And I'm absolutely irked about it: why do I feel such a desperate yearning for a time barely four months ago?

A Gift From Me: New Stuff.23 April, 2013

Evening, everyone. Still enjoying your Record Store Day haul? I’ve been riding around with the blissful cacophony of this James Chance compilation for nearly half a week now… Be assured, however, that I also picked out some new stuff during my romp at Wuxtry Records. Thus, tonight’s article will feature the two relatively recent releases I bought, along with one Twitter-found band that has a rather decent debut out now. And, yes – the name of one of these bands is Tunabunny. That should be enough of a hook, eh? Head over to Recommendations to check it out. You’ll also see that I’ve brought in one more old article from Blogger. We’ve almost stretched back to last year! Finally, this marks the last day that I’ll be 22. Yep. Spent it baking my own birthday cake and burning through two recipes to yield the perfect caramel frosting. A beast of a concoction, but it'll be sooooo worth it tomorrow.

Late Night Move-In.22 April, 2013

Yawn...good evening, folks. Had a swell time with Record Store Day - in fact, I've got enough material now for a new write-up! Not tonight, though, because for some reason or another, I am maddeningly tired. Instead, I've heaved in a few more old articles. No hidden goodies this time, I'm afraid. Just a spot of editing. But expect that new write-up soon - i.e sometime this week - given that I'm not handed another writing assignment first.

In other news - in the wee hours of 24 April, I'll be turning 23. Yup - even as a baby, I was an early riser.

That's it for now. Cheerio.

Heavy Lifting.19 April, 2013

Evening, everyone! In spite of my previous forecast of non-productivity, I actually managed to reload the Recommendations page with a fair amount of articles. Even if they're old news to you, I'd still glance through it if I were you - a few bands have released some additional tunage since their original write-ups, so I've updated those articles accordingly.

Hope everyone's had a sweet Friday. Mine's been a bit scattered, to say the least. But here's to Record Store Day tomorrow, eh? Just might take a trip out to Wuxtry Records tomorrow to see what's up in Athens. Cheers to Spillers Records in Cardiff - two years ago, I walked in to sniff out records, and walked out with directions to PiL's next gig. Go hit them up if you're in the area; they'll be one of the five record stores in the UK that's premiering Savages' debut LP before its proper release in May. Do it for me, will ya?

Slight Progress.18 April, 2013

I've brought only two old articles back into Soundscape today. Yeah. I've been busy. But, on the flip side, I DID slightly update one previous recommendation...ah, but which one? Go look and see. You never know what you might find back there...

Tomorrow will be a mess, so I can't guarantee much more progress tomorrow. But I'll try.

Move-In, Part 2. Brought the Boom Box.17 April, 2013

Awww, yeah. I've finally unpacked a second box from the old pad - On My Radio! And, as an added bonus, I've even added a new station to the page, New York's fabulous freeform WFMU. So come check out all the nifty, clickable banners on the "On My Radio" tab above.

Now comes the heavy lifting - time to bring in all those old Recommendations. This will take a while. But stay tuned!

Move-In, Part 1. Memoirs Are Back.17 April, 2013

All right, folks - the big move-in has begun in earnest, and I've just unloaded the first box from Blogger. My ever-popular Memoirs and Milestones section is back, albeit with a few less articles than before. Nevertheless, I finally filled in the gaps on my Festive 50 list - and why did none of you inform me of the proper way to spell "The Oh Sees"? Bah, well.

(By the by, as you may have already noticed in yesterday's article, I'm definitely keeping tabs of the "best-ofs" for this year. Already daydreaming about premiering some sort of Festive 50 "prediction" feature in December...ay, I'm such a nut.)

You'll also notice that I've flip-flopped the order of the articles - I've now adopted the admittedly more sensible system of posting in a reverse chronological order, with the latest article at the top. Much better, eh?

Next project: unpacking the On My Radio page. And figuring out what to do with that About section below, which is attached to the previous update. Hmm...

Day One, Yet Again.16 April, 2013

Why, hello. Like my new abode? Yes...a journalism professor clued me in yesterday on this place, and after Blogger just wouldn't upload my next article, I decided to ditch the old address and stake a domain over here.

You might also be wondering why it's been so long since my last smash review...ay, a busy week last week, I'm afraid. Not to mention, I was feeling a tad under the weather last night. For several reasons.

I'm back, though, and I'm proud to release this "international" article tonight. I've got four bands, from the US, Denmark, Russia, and somewhere else. (Dunno.) Mind, I picked these artists out a few days back, so if I'm making a statement here, it's not exactly intentional...

But, anywho, here it is, under the brand spankin' new "Recommendations" page. Do drop me a line and let me know what you think of the sparkling new layout! And don't worry - I'll be busy, busy tomorrow uploading old articles, rebooting the Single/Album of the Week feature, and bringing back other classic (ha) pages. Tonight's just about releasing this post, and frantically updating EVERY bio/website where I've mentioned this site. That's enough work for one night, methinks!

Until the move is finished, of course, you can always view my old hits at the old pad.

Pictures above belong to: The Chasms - Alchemical Postcards, Extradition Order - Since The Bomb Dropped, Jack Hayter/Audio Antihero - "Charlotte Badger", and Tartufi - These Factory Days. Just in case. Although I'm sure at least half the artists/record labels that I borrowed from would not mind in the least, since they're such nice blokes.